It was a hurried move, but I'm here and getting settled. I love my job, and the folks I work with are great. My place was infested with fleas, and it's been a nightmare, but I think I've got it beaten now. I've been painting this weekend.. turning my living room walls to a bright sunny yellow. It'll be a good thing when Winter arrives and most of the world is gray. The lime green kitchen is going to be a challenge to cover, but I'm in no hurry. It needs a good cleaning first, and there are only so many hours in a day - in due time. My next task is finding some storage accessories, then paint for the bedroom, and then a new bed... though this air mattress is pretty slick. It'll be something to do in the coming weeks as it starts getting cooler.

I'm going to get out this weekend and go for an adventure of some sort. Maybe down to the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield Kansas, or up to the Celtic Faire in Aberdeen South Dakota. Either way, I'm in a mood for taking pictures. The last couple times I wanted to take some, I'd forgotten my camera.. so I'm challenging myself to remember and get some good shots.

Ok, I better scoot, I'm going to do some reading and catch some z's. Have a wonderful week.

~K

Time for an update, a change, new beginnings.

Well this year has been an interesting one thus far. I've continued a very loving relationship with a wonderful man whom I met and clicked so strongly with seven months ago. I'm head over heels for the first time in my life, and am constantly amazed at how much two people can grow together while being so far apart. Only time will tell what's in store for us, but I cherish what we have, and find that my cheeks often hurt from smiling so much. I can think of worse things in life, that's for sure.

My baby bear grandnephew Evan just turned a year old.. he had a wonderful little party yesterday. He's just an amazing little guy.. I'm in love with him too.

I have a new grandniece, Katelynn, who was born on Christmas day. I saw her yesterday also.. she's getting so big, though just over 9 pounds now (smaller still than her cousin Evan when he was born). She's a little cutie pie, and boy does she look like her big brother Harley. He's doing pretty well. Some of you may recall that he has lung disease, and has really struggled with his health in the past. He's in first grade now, and is reading very well. He doesn't play too much because the kids rough-house a bit, and he's just not up to that activity, but he does well in school. His speech is certainly much better since his tonsils came out last year, it's easier to understand what he says now. lol He's doing well considering, and he hasn't even been in the hospital for a while. Small miracles are good.

I'm continuing play time with Horton, that would be my banjo. He's an interesting hobby, and very relaxing. I'll never be a pro, and don't have a need to be, but it's sure nice to make some music. Evan even dances to it.. so it must not be too horrible. lol I think I'll start teaching him how to play this year. I took a road trip to NC recently, with a pal from WI who also plays banjo. It was a nice little weekend getaway, and I met some other banjoists from the area. It had been a while since I took a road trip, so it was nice to get ouf ot Dodge for a while. I'm hoping to further my banjo abilities somewhat, and meet some other pickers.. it's almost Spring, there should be some festivals going on somewhere soon. Annnnd I'll have another road trip in the coming months.. but not for banjo purposes.  

I suppose I'll close for now. I hope you're all happy and healthy, and managing to avoid the 'illness' going around. I've been sick since Dec. 27th, though I think I'm about over it. Knock on Wood. Sinus cold, cough, sinus infection, cough, flu, cough, and something like pneumonia that was really painful, cough. I've still got a touch of the cough, and some asthma like symptoms, but I'm improving. I hope you all avoid it, it's really nasty stuff. Take care of yourselves, and keep in touch.

--K